Paying for College Without Going Broke tells how to calculate the costs of college, locate
sources for different kinds of financial aid, and plan for financial backing to avoid costly
mistakes. The focus is on how to maximize financial aid eligibility as well as how to save for
college. Chapters cover everything from picking colleges to filling out paperwork and assessing
assets. The result is a solid reader that goes beyond the usual focus on locating scholarships to
consider not just available financing, but how to qualify for it.

Daily Zen Doodles: 365 Tangle Creations for Inspiration, Relaxation and Mindfulness packs in a
doodle zentangle drawing for each day of the year, with each page offering a prompt or starting
point for using doodles to encourage mindfulness and contemplation. Add inspirational quotes
and encouraging sheets and what you have is a sketchbook with a difference: a collection of
inspiring invitations to use doodling and zentangle drawing to achieve peaceful meditation
results. The result is a cut above your usual craft guide, and especially recommended for new age
thinkers and aspiring artists with a purpose.

Shopaholic to the Stars is narrated by Clare Corbett, who provides a powerful reading to
supplement a powerful new addition to her 'Shopaholic' series. Here Becky is newly arrived in
Hollywood, starry-eyed, and filled with hope for her family and new opportunities. She can't wait
to absorb Hollywood's culture and see a celebrity: unfortunately, her ambition to become a
personal stylist to the stars introduces her to the bad side of Hollywood, as well. A fine romp
begins, perfect for fans of light and compelling leisure reads and vivid characters.

Festive in Death receives a fine performance by Susan Ericksen whose evocative voice brings to
life the story of Eve Dallas, who is struggling with homicide and holidays simultaneously. A
personal trainer is murdered and a cryptic holiday note left on his body, calling into question a
vengeful ex-girlfriend. But that would be too easy: Eve Dallas suspects something more, and her
instinct leads her to a list of enemies surpassing even her own Christmas list. This is a fun
investigative story that's just perfect for the holidays, and for murder mystery fans - and
especially for prior fans of Eve Dallas investigations!

Steven Johnson's HOW WE GOT TO NOW (97816117633386, $30.00) pairs a vivid reading by
actor George Newbern with an exploration of the history of innovation over the centuries, and is
packed with stories of brilliant mistakes that led to fortunate innovations. Connections between
different fields, the history of urban areas, clocks, computers and more, and discussions of vivid
serendipity make for a vivid listen that accompanies a six-part TV series on PBS, creating a fun
and educational listen that any history or trivia buff will appreciate. Stuart Woods' PARIS
MATCH (9781611763133, $35.00) is narrated by Tony Roberts, an actor who has appeared on
numerous Broadway stage productions and in films, and whose familiar, evocative voice
enhances the story of Stone Barrington's latest journey to Europe, where he (predictably) gets
into trouble in Paris. An old enemy is pursuing him, while back home a key project is in trouble -
with ramifications for not just individuals, but nations. Readers will find this gripping saga hard
to stop listening to. Anne Lamott's SMALL VICTORIES (97817611763706, $30.00) is narrated
by the author and provides essays that focus on messages of hope - perfect for holidays and their
aftermath. They discuss forgiveness and transformation, how we can turn to love in a range of
situations, and how one's responses to life's slings and arrows can be modified to make the most
of everything. As such, they are beacons of hope in a world of negativity and, when narrated by
Lamott herself, become even more powerful messages.

James Patterson's PRIVATE INDIA: CITY ON FIRE (9781478985419, $26.00) tells of jack,
who opens the Mumbai branch of Private, an elite detective agency, and sets top agent Santosh
on a difficult case; the hunt for a killer who is targeting women in a series of chilling ritual
killings. The Private team faces great obstacles and little clues in this riveting story of murder,
drama, and an impossible city-wide investigation in India. David Baldacci's THE ESCAPE
(9781478982807, $30.00) is narrated by Ron McLarty and Orlagh Cassidy and provides a vivid
story as it tells of a brother convicted of treason and national security crimes who escapes from
prison to also become a wanted criminal. It seems up to his younger brother to bring him to
justice: the only problem is, others are also pursing him and don't want him to survive. What
evolves is a masterful chase and in this respect the audio format brings events to life as McLarty
and Cassidy's narration adds a vivid immediacy to events and a tension that excels in audio
format. Michael Connelly's THE BURNING ROOM (9781619694262, $40.00) is narrated by
Titus Welliver, an actor and painter who has appeared in numerous films and TV shows, and
whose voice and acting abilities bring this detective story to life. Harry Bosch and his rookie
partner investigate a cold case that is once more alive and dangerous, and find themselves trying
to solve a murder that turns into a political hot potato. As they race against time, new evidence
and new leads turns the case dangerous and leads to another unsolved case with even more
ramifications. A powerful thriller evolves, perfect for audio detective and thriller enthusiasts.
Amanda Palmer's THE ART OF ASKING OR HOW I LEARNED TO STOP WORRYING
AND LET PEOPLE HELP (9781478982883, $30.00) comes from a musician, songwriter,
activist and blogger and discusses the finer art of asking for audience support. While she's been
both acclaimed and criticized for this, what she asks for succeeds in connecting her with her
audience, friends, and life - and this exploration of relationship barriers and the finer art of asking
provides a powerful survey advocating interaction in the new environments of cultural exchange.
From philosophy to autobiography and more, this is a fine survey that comes to life in audio and
deserves a special place in general-interest audio collections.

The Self-Help Shelf

The Power of Patience: How This Old-Fashioned Virtue Can Improve Your Life teaches how to
gain more patience with everyday affairs and how to reduce the feeling of being rushed and
stressed, and teaches how to use the virtue of patience in the process of bringing more love into
life. By slowing down and reclaiming patience, we bring more into our lives that allow us to
clearly set priorities and lifestyles that work. This book both makes a case for patience and tells
how to reclaim it.

The Military Shelf

The Worth of War offers an unusual argument: that contrary to belief that war is represents the
height of irrational behavior, it in fact proves the real indicator of rationality and survival. Those
societies who are best able to assess and thwart dangers are usually the ones to survive warfare,
while technological advancements often have their roots in conflict. War spurs economic
development, social change, and political connections. This isn't a promotion of conflict, but it
sure does extend much food for thought in its discussions of the underlying good brought about
by war.

The Social Issues Shelf

Defending Beef: The Case for Sustainable Meat Production comes from an environmental lawyer
and vegetarian who became a cattle rancher, and dispels popular myths of how cattle are bad for
the planet. It gathers scientific data and examples from around the world to argue that cattle can
help build carbon-sequestering soils to enhance biodiversity and prevent desertification, and it
makes a convincing if not unusual argument for beef production at a time when the case has been
all but closed against it. With its unusual focus, this is a top pick for any interested in sustainable
food production in general who want to consider beef production in a new light.

The Occupy Movement Explained: From Corporate Control to Democracy blends personal and
political accounts of Occupy Wall Street and other movements, and connects this to wider social
issues. Its purpose is to clear up misconceptions of the Occupy manifesto, create a clear map of
its history as a nation-wide movement, and document the reasons behind its waning as a popular
resistance tool. Any interested in Occupy's history or culture - especially high school to
college-level social and political issues holdings - needs this!

The Theatre/Cinema Shelf

Of All the Gin Joints: Stumbling Through Hollywood History is illustrated by Edward
Hemingway and packs in stories of movie stars who are often leading crazy lives. From the
beginnings of the silent film industry to the 1970s, Bailey considers the lives, events and
circumstances surrounding not only Hollywood celebrities, but the directors, screenwriters, and
producers around them. Packed with outrageous tales, this is a fun read for any who like stories
about Hollywood and its oddities.

The Mystery/Suspense Shelf

Die I Will Not tells of an unhappy wife and young mother who fears her family will be beset by
scandal and danger. Her father was accused of treason and murder decades ago; now a dead
editor's secret leads Penelope to battle scandal, risk her reputation and life, and search out a
killer. History and 1813 London come alive in this powerful saga, highly recommended for fans
of historical mysteries who are looking for a combination of powerful history background and
involving plot.

The Education Shelf

Mark S. McCaffrey's CLIMATE SMART & ENERGY WISE (9781483304472, $25.00) comes
from an expert on climate and energy education, and offers a key to understanding climate and
energy teaching processes. Chapters consider which topics fit into a curriculum, discuss Next
Generation Science Standards and how teachers can meet them, and offers ways of teaching
climate change to appropriate grade levels. With sample learning activities and a list of
age-appropriate resources online, this provides teachers with everything necessary to teach
climate change at appropriate grade levels. Wayne A. Callender's USING RTI IN SECONDARY
SCHOOLS: A TRAINING MANUAL FOR SUCCESSFUL IMPLEMENTATION
(9781452290560) offers educators a discussion of effective, applied uses of RTI theory for
secondary students and is a pick for any who would identify at-risk students and help them early
in the process. It considers how a step-by-step RTI program may be implemented, how student
intervention plans can be tailored for individual students, and how to develop monitoring
techniques that work in a classroom and individual setting alike. Discussions on applying RTI to
special education concerns are particularly insightful, making this book an invaluable read.

The Music Shelf

The Jesus and Mary Chain offers an unexpectedly funny biography of the rock group's evolution
and is told by the band members and their associates. It's also the story of the rise of 1980s music
and the evolution of a band that rose to the top with an unusual approach to pop music, and will
prove unexpectedly entertaining even for those readers who aren't already familiar with the
group. The band has not received a lot of analysis before; so having this expose makes for a
number of surprising revelations key to understanding the group's members and unique
contributions to the field of rock and pop music.

Jerry Lee Lewis: His Own Story tells about the legend of rock and roll - through his own eyes.
For two years he shared his life story with prize-winning author Rick Bragg, and the narrative
appears here with the full flavor of Lewis' history and observations. From his spotlight sessions
with such notable giants as Johnny Cash and chuck Berry to his struggles with faith, music, and
the demands of stardom, this is a vivid and personal memoir and a 'must' for any popular music
history collection.

The Fantasy/SciFi Shelf

THE ICE DRAGON tells of winter child Adara, who isn't afraid of the winter or the ice dragon
that terrifies others, but has always been in her life. In her fourth year she touched it, in her fifth
she rode it, and in her seventh, she finds that only the love between she and her ice dragon an
keep the fire dragons from destroying the world. If the setting sounds familiar, it's because adults
have enjoyed the Song of Ice and Fire series. Now teen and adult readers have access to the vivid
tale, in a new edition enriched by lovely black and white drawings by Luis Royo.

While billed for a teen audience, STRANGER is recommended here because it shouldn't be
missed by any adult fan of scifi: it's a dystopian novel that is engrossing and revolves around
Ross, a prospector who lives in a post-apocalyptic works where people possess strange powers,
from super strength to the ability to warp time itself, and where an ancient book holds keys to a
new future. Ross escapes with his artifact, which holds a power nobody has seen before; but his
discover will bring with it a world of hurt. The story is detailed, well drawn, and compelling: it
would be shame to limit this to young adults because there's plenty of complexity and action
suitable for adult readers, and recommended for both audiences.

Three novels in the new Mistborn series by Brandon Sanderson offer epic adventure and a
powerful quest that will especially attract readers interested in compelling sci-fi and fantasy
reads. MISTBORN (9780765377135, $12.99) opens the quartet with a startling premise: a hero
once tried to save the world - and failed - resulting in its devastation. A thousand years have
since gone by, and a new, younger hero and a new threat arise once more to change the future of
this world. Can hope survive and can past patterns change? THE WELL OF ASCENSION
(9780765377142, $12.99) provides Book Two of the story, which tells of a street urchin who has
grown into the most powerful Mistborn in the land. It's up to her and a young nobleman who
loves her to build an empire - but attacking adversaries are threatening everything they've
achieved. THE HERO OF AGES (9780765377159, $12.99) completes the trilogy and shows
how a single action can return evil into the world, even though the best of intentions are behind
it. Vin has been tricked into releasing the mystic force from the Well of Ascension and a series of
clues may be the only thing between saving and destroying the world. The trilogy is epic science
fiction adventure at its best, and will reach young adult to adult audiences alike.

The Travel Shelf

YOU ONLY LIVE ONCE: A LIFETIME OF EXPERIENCES FOR THE EXPLORER IN ALL
OF US provides a compendium of travel ideas gathered with one purpose in mind: to fosters an
enthusiasm for learning and experiencing new things that go beyond a two-week vacation or a
quick foray into unknown countries. It combines gorgeous color photos with information and
graphics that coalesce around one point: experiences that only happen once in a lifetime. Those
with bucket lists should be prepared to expand them, while those who prefer their travel take
place in an armchair will find the illustrations compelling and absorbing. Both audiences will
relish the approach and vibrant presentation of YOU ONLY LIVE ONCE.

The American History Shelf

MINT JULEPS WITH TEDDY ROOSEVELT: THE COMPLETE HISTORY OF
PRESIDENTIAL DRINKING provides a fine survey of liquor in Presidential matters, and
explores the role of drink in everything from social settings to nuclear weapons negotiations and
more. It comes from a journalist who considers everything from temperance laws to teetotalers
and drinkers, and it pairs fun trivia with eye-opening historical facts. The result is a survey highly
recommended for any interested in Presidential history or the history and influence of alcohol on
American political processes.

The Sports Shelf

Dan Trink's HIGH-INTENSITY 300 (9781450455275, $22.95) is an unusual pick for exercisers
in that it encourages readers to choose workouts that will meet specific strength and conditioning
goals. Thus, the 300 workouts examining the most challenging of such programs isn't about using
them all; but about understanding their approaches. Detailed directions, photos and training trips
accompany discussions of difficulty levels and daily goals in a book that begins with a
progressive program and concludes with 40 of the hardest workouts. Any who want more 'meat'
to their training program should examine these routines for maximum benefit! Dick Bate and Ian
Jeffreys' SOCCER SPEED (9781450424578, $19.99) packs in nearly forty drills to improve
soccer skills, and is a requirement for modern training because more agile players have entered
the sport and increased the game's challenges. From routines for increasing balance and agility to
techniques to keep opponents guessing, this is packed with keys to understanding the game, its
technical skills and tactics, and how to improve everything from dribbling to passing and
scoring.

The Christian Studies Shelf

T.D. Jakes Speaks to Men provides a fine survey packing three of Jakes' prior books under one
cover: LOSE THAT MAN AND LET HIM GO!, SO YOU CALL YOURSELF A MAN?, and
T.J. JAKES SPEAKS TO MEN. It takes the concept of manly behavior and spiritual insight and
melds the two with devotional reading directed to ordinary men, and it offers discussions of
God-based masculinity and compromise that stay firmly rooted in Biblical insight while
embarking on a fine journey to spiritual reflection. Christian men will find this a solid series of
discussions.

The Islamic Studies Shelf

Mecca: The Sacred City comes from one of the key Muslim speakers today and reveals the story
of the city from Biblical to modern times, considering religious struggles and rebellion
surrounding the Middle Eastern city past and present. Sardar moved to Mecca in 1975 for work
and completed one of the five pillars of the Muslim faith during his pilgrimage there: his book
covers his studies on Muslim faith and Mecca in particular, and includes modern-day challenges
as well as its history. Any interested in Mecca ad its importance will find this a fine, detailed
survey - especially those studying Muslim history and culture.

The Judaic Studies Shelf

The Sacred Encounter: Jewish Perspectives on Sexuality is no light read: it's a key resource on
the topic of sexuality and Judaism and provides scholars with a serious collection of articles by
rabbis and scholars from across the Jewish spectrum who adds to the subject of religious
perspectives on sexuality. Each section blends personal reflection, scholarly assessment, and
references to Jewish text, and each covers topics as diverse as Biblical and classical rabbinic
views of human sexuality and Jewish law, historical cultural and social changes, liberal Judaism
as it pertains to LBGT issues, and ethics. It's the second volume in the CCAR Cahllenge and
Change Series and is a 'must' for any scholarly Jewish studies collection.

The Biography Shelf

MEASURE OF A MAN: FROM AUSCHWITZ SURVIVOR TO PRESIDENTS' TAILOR
provides the powerful story of a man who began sewing in Auschwitz at age 15, mending the
shirt of the SS guard who had just beaten him. He not only survived his imprisonment, but today
is known as "America's Greatest Living Tailor', and this autobiography is his story of how he
survived four concentration camps to forge a new life for himself. Chapters consider how he
began his new life and career in New York, how he rose to become involved with presidents and
stars, and how he kept his spark and preserved his life. From his insistence on high standards to
his reliance on a sense of humor, Martin Greenfield the clothier evolved to make a difference in
the world, and this survey of his career will serve as inspirational testimony to tenacity and the
will to survive.

The Cookbook Shelf

Good Cheap Eats: Everyday Dinners and Fantastic Feasts For $10 or less advocates eating
flavorful, nutritious dinners for less than, $10 a meal, and comes from an author who does it all
the time. This food blogger has honed the fine art of inexpensive cooking, and offers recipes that
are made from scratch, quick to cook, and easy on the pocketbook. From Beef Potpie with Flaky
Cheddar Crust to Broiled Bruschetta or No-Egg Spinach Meatballs, these are dishes any cook can
produce. Most are accompanied by color photos, which adds value and interest to the
presentation.

Baking Chez Moi: Recipes From My Paris Home to Your Home Anywhere explores French
desserts and is a pick for any who are interested in French cooking in general and baking in
particular. Over five years ago the author decided to interview and write about some of the best
French pastry chefs and their art, and set about investigating what ultimately turned into the
simpler baking creations rather than the complex, eye-catching chef masterpieces. The recipes
here come from several different regions in France and include some dishes one normally
wouldn't associate with French baking, such a desert made of corn flakes and chocolate that is
familiar to most French children. Home bakers receive chapters divided into easily-digestible
themes ("Plain Cakes", "Fancy Cakes") that include plenty of baking basics perfect for
newcomers to either French food or baking in general. Color photos abound.

The Gardening Shelf

EAT YOUR GREENS: THE SURPRISING POWER OF HOME GROWN LEAF CROPS is
about gardening and vegetables, and discusses how to grow and utilize a range of varieties in a
kitchen garden. It reviews modern commercial practices, gardening techniques, and provides
recipes to preserve a harvest. From growing vertical greens to preserve space to understanding
leaf concentrates, this advocates a range of techniques for not just growing vegetables, but
growing the best nutritional veggies. The result is a guide essential for any home cook/gardener
who wants to best from any size garden effort.

The Railroading Shelf

Kalmbach Publishing is best known for its crafts titles, but this standout gathers over seventy
years of train articles from the definitive Trains Magazine - many of which have not been printed
since their original appearance in the magazine. It pairs these articles with historical photos and
reflections of the magazine's editors and contributors, and gathers under one cover a range of
diverse and appealing train stories. Train buffs will find this the perfect item of choice for
entertaining and historical reflection.

The Business Shelf

Susan Fowler's WHY MOTIVATING PEOPLE DOESN'T WORK... AND WHAT DOES: THE
NEW SCIENCE OF LEADING, ENERGIZING, AND ENGAGING (9781626561823, $24.95)
comes from a top leadership researcher and coach who advocates for something different in the
business world: a halt to motivation strategies. People are already motivated - but not necessarily
in the ways business can control. Chapters use the latest scientific research to consider models
and action that will help leader direct rather than push. The argument is that the usual system of
reward attached to motivation lacks because there are better alternatives. Her Optimal Motivation
process shows how to address different psychological needs for better results, and makes for a
program that provides managers with many alternative approaches. Marcia Reynolds' THE
DISCOMFORT ZONE: HOW LEADERS TURN DIFFICULT CONVERSATIONS INTO
BREAKTHROUGHS (9781626560659, $18.95) shows leaders how to develop specific kinds of
conversations that lead to growth and reduce employee resistance to change. It comes from a
leadership coach who identifies the Discomfort Zone as an uncomfortable place where
individuals are most open to learning and change, considers how leaders can create these
strategic zones for optimum results, and blends in recent research in learning to consider what
kinds of questions address the brain's built-in defenses and shows how to create atmospheres for
optimum acceptance and learning. Both books are recommended picks for business collections
strong in leadership and alternative approaches to employee development.